3 Steps to Transition to Cloud Accounting

How do you move to Cloud Accounting?

The transition from a desktop based accounting system to a cloud accounting package is an art.

1. Choose your cloud accounting package

Firstly, you will want to make sure you’ve chosen the right package for your business.  The best way to do this is to discuss your needs with an adviser.

Sidenote: there are many accounting firms and advisers who align themselves with only one brand (we were one of them!).  Remember that it needs to be the best fit for your business, rather than the one with the most hype.

2. Prepare for the transition

Having helped over 100 businesses implement cloud solutions, the transition can be a bumpy ride.

I heard a saying recently from a friend who served in the military, “Time spent in reconnaissance is seldom wasted”.  This saying remains true when transitioning to the cloud.

You need to consider:

• The date that you will transition to the cloud (called the ‘conversion date’)
• Training for your accounting team
• Other applications that will synchronise with your accounting package
• Support required for the first few months from your accountant
• Additional time you will need to get used to the system

We find that the first few weeks of implementing cloud accounting software can be draining, and we offer 24 hour turnaround support through our help center.  We strongly encourage you to stick with it though, as after that on-boarding period, things are a breeze!

 3. Take the leap

Once you’ve done all of your preparation and ideally worked in with your adviser, you’re ready to take the leap.

Ideally, you will have had the training before the conversion date, and your accountant will have set up the accounting package ready for you to start working in.

So step 3 is relatively easy – log in, and start crunching away!  Oh, and don’t forget to lean on an adviser that has experience in your accounting package.